Thus the hyper-reactivity of the immune response of allergic rhinitis is due to a deficiency of the
Kidney's Defensive-Qi system and Governing Vessel. With regard to the role of the Governing
Vessel in allergic rhinitis, it is interesting that many of the herbs which Li Shi Zhen connected
with this vessel are expelling-Wind herbs which act on the nose. These herbs are Fang Feng
Radix Ledebouriellae sesloidis, Cang Er Zi Fructus Xanthii, Jing Jie Herba seu Flos
Schizonepetae tenuifoliae, Qiang Huo Radix et Rhizoma Notopterygii, Xi Xin Herba Asari cum
radice and Gao Ben Rhizoma et Radix Ligustici sinensis.2(142)
The symptoms and signs of allergic rhinitis are those of Wind-Cold as the nasal discharge is
always white and watery. This indicates a deficiency of Defensive Qi which is spread by the
Lungs but has its root in the Kidneys.3(143) Thus, although some books do refer to a Kidney
deficiency as the Root of allergic rhinitis, the Kidneys are responsible not only for the Root of
this disease (because of the deficiency of the Kidney's Defensive-Qi system), but also for the
Manifestation through their direct connection with the Defensive-Qi and sneezing.
Allergic rhinitis often starts in early childhood but it may also start later in life, with a
progressive decline of Kidney-Qi or perhaps with a decline of Kidney-Qi connected to the
beginning of sexual activity. In fact, in men over 40 suffering from allergic rhinitis there is often
a direct connection between sexual activity and an attack of rhinitis. Thus, although rhinitis is
obviously a much less severe disease than asthma, when compared with it, it indicates a more
severe deficiency of the Kidneys.
As for the difference between seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever), the latter
simply occurs when there is a more severe Kidney deficiency.
Obviously, in patients aged 50 or over the pathology will be complicated by other factors, the
most common of which is a Spleen deficiency which produces more mucus and therefore a
runny nose.
As for the Manifestation, the main pathogenic factor is Wind invading the Lung channel in the
nose. However, this is due not only to repeated invasions of Wind, as in the theory of Bi Yuan,
but primarily to the inherent deficiency of the Kidney's Defensive-Qi system and Governing
Vessel in the nose which "mimics" symptoms of invasion of Wind-Cold. Sneezing itself is also
directly due to the Kidneys and not necessarily to Wind.
Treatment
As for treatment, it is important to distinguish seasonal from perennial rhinitis. In seasonal
rhinitis we should apply different principles of treatment according to the season. In perennial
rhinitis, the principle of treatment is irrespective of the season.